THE organiser of a festival has thanked the community for ensuring it could go ahead as he toasted another successful year.

Dave Crossley, the director of Ulverston's Another Fine Fest, thanked the thousands of people who turned out for the two-day festival after it was saved through online donations following funding cuts by Arts Council England.

Mr Crossley said the festival would likely be forced to search for more online donations going into next year.

He said he was already in discussions about funding options for next year.

The organiser said at least 15,000 people had turned out to see an array of music, comedy and street entertainment at the sixth year of the festival.

On the town’s cobbled streets all kinds of entertainers wowed crowds.

Street traders brought their wares to the masses and festival-goers visited pop-up shops, especially set up for the occasion.

“It was a brilliant year,” said Mr Crossley. “I think with people having donated to the festival so it could go ahead meant they had a personal stake in it.

“That really added to the electric atmosphere.

“We had such a great response. It’s usually quieter on the Sunday but we tried to expand the events this year and we saw a lot of people come out for that day as well.”

Mr Crossley thanked his team of organisers for their hard work.

“I’m utterly overwhelmed," he said.

“I am struggling to put this feeling into words but I just want to say thank you from deep within.

“That was truly special and I’m absolutely feeling the love.

“I love this place so much. I can’t actually process what has just occurred."

He added: “I have a got a great team and I want to thank everyone for their support.”

Mr Crossley also paid tribute to one of the stars of the festival. Tony Walsh.

The poet performed a special Ulverston poem compiled by Another Fine Fest in front of crowds at the Market Cross stage.

Mr Crossley said: “It was amazing to see him read that out.

“The crowd responded so well. Everybody loved it.”